The
Volvo XC70 can best be thought of as a rugged version of the popular V70
wagon. Not quite a full-blown
crossover or
SUV, the XC70 provides the manageable size and reasonable comfort of a wagon teamed with a sophisticated all-wheel drive system and superior ground clearance. Think of it as the twenty-first century version of the quirky AMC Eagle. The XC70's primary competition comes from the
Subaru Legacy and Outback
wagons and, to a lesser degree, the Dodge Magnum all-wheel-drive wagon.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you like the look, ride and handling of the V70 wagon, but you need something a bit more rugged, try out the XC70. It offers Eurostyle with a bit of off-road verve.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The XC70's interior is roomy, but nowhere near as spacious as its bigger sibling the XC90
SUV. Similar wagons from Subaru are less expensive, offer more power and hold their original value better than the XC70.

What's New for 2007

Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC) and a tire pressure monitoring system become standard equipment for 2007, as do integrated turn signal mirrors and 16-inch Xenia wheels.

Driving the XC70

Driving Impressions

The XC70 is built on the very competent V70 wagon platform. Except for the rear badges and extra cladding, the two are almost indistinguishable. Power, derived from a turbocharged five-cylinder...

... engine producing 208 horsepower, is sent to all four wheels. Due to its height and tires, however, the XC70 does not handle as well as the V70 or S60. Then again, it never gives the impression that it's about to tip on its side, and it can run circles around any SUV on the road. Acceleration is smooth, linear and quiet. The interior is modern, comfortable and, oh, those wonderful Volvo seats you could sit in for days.

Favorite Features

Navigation Screen
Instead of being incorporated into the audio unit, the Volvo navigation screen rises from atop the dash and can be operated via steering wheel-mounted controls.

The XC70 employs the same functional and handsome interior as the V70. As with all Volvos, safety is of paramount concern. A high-strength steel cage, with crumple zones and reinforced door beams, makes up the skeleton. There are standard front-seat driver- and passenger-side airbags and side-curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers.

Exterior

The XC70 is a close cousin to the V70 wagon, but extra-thick black bumpers and a tall ride-height (8.5-inches of ground clearance) give the XC70 a bit more of an off-road appearance, as do the black grille surround, aluminum cladding and alloy wheels.

Volvo's 2.5 light-pressure turbo provides adequate acceleration and fuel economy, but it's no race horse. The unobtrusive turbo kicks in around 2,000 rpm and builds steadily right up to redline. Although a manual transmission is not offered, the five-speed automatic delivers quick, efficient shifts that make the most of the engine's generous torque.